Joint effort to ease chemical fears

British chemical and retail industry leaders will work together to rebuild public and retailer confidence in the chemicals used in consumer products.

The British Retail Consortium and the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) have launched the Supply Chain Leadership Group (SCLG) as a response to the public wanting to understand better how chemicals are used.

Over the next three years, six representatives from CIA member companies and six from the retail group will meet quarterly.

Judith Hackitt, director-general of the CIA, told SM: "Retailers and consumers are understandably concerned about what goes in to the food, clothing and cleaning products they buy. We need to address those concerns."

She said all companies needed to promote a better understanding of each other's business pressures and make sure consumers are aware of how safe chemicals are.

Hackitt added that nobody yet in the SCLG had direct purchasing experience but it would be looking to involve professionals from all areas of the supply chain in its projects.